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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum

Trip Planning Forum

Maps and stuff

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Date/Time: 04/29/2024 04:40AM

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Maps and stuff

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Previous Messages:
Author	Message Text
BnD	01/03/2018 11:48AM We too carry McKenzie maps as backup. I've gone GPS and rarely look at my maps. I preload portage locations, fishing spots, camping spots, etc... into the Garmin GPS. Oh yeah, I still keep a compass in my map case to look the part. Without a GPS the compass is real handy crossing big water to get a bearing. We joke about the GPS the all knowing "eye in the sky" knows exactly where we are. I have also used My Topo to create maps for Wabakimi and Brightsands PP. A little on the small scale side but better than anything else I've found.
HighnDry	01/02/2018 07:09PM This is a good place to start for planning purposes and before you buy anything!
HighnDry	01/02/2018 07:04PM For another option, My topo . Use them for doing the out-of-the-way Canadian parks and for customizing trips in the BWCA.
Wick	01/02/2018 06:36PM butthead: "speaking of school I wanted to link some REI stuff for starting------- Choose a compass How to use a compass butthead" Good links. The “how to” link answered some questions i had.
Wick	01/02/2018 06:18PM schweady: "Wick: "More thanks! This is more fun than school was." ...and only slightly more expensive! :-) " Slightly? Lol,,, Too late to save me money butthead. I may get myself a cheaper model, but the wife wanted one with a mirror. She used the excuse of emergency flashing, but i happen to know she likes looking at herself in the morning. I bought her a suunto mc-2. Got a great deal on ebay. Edit: i didn’t tell her the mirror wasn’t just for emergency,,i was going to wait till it got here, show her the sighting procedure,,then act like i always knew about it. Gotta make sure she knows i am the smart one! She doesn’t read these threads.
Wables	01/02/2018 05:15PM I mounted a Brunton Kayak compass to my thwart. You can remove the base and replace the bungees with a BDB so you can transfer it between boats. I really like it for general navigation, but carry a Silvia as well. Compass
butthead	01/02/2018 04:25PM speaking of school I wanted to link some REI stuff for starting------- Choose a compass How to use a compass butthead
andym	01/02/2018 04:24PM One can definitely do fine in the BW with a simple baseplate compass. I prefer something a bit more sophisticated but it isn't critical.
schweady	01/02/2018 03:55PM Wick: "More thanks! This is more fun than school was." ...and only slightly more expensive! :-)
butthead	01/02/2018 03:23PM I do not want to step on andym's threads but a simple baseplate compass will do all you need. A simple Silva Starter will work with maps and navigation quite well. A sighting compass Silva Ranger CL is only more accurate if used in sighting on distant objects to establish bearings. For the extra expense you get more accuracy in land based use but on water more variables enter to reduce accurate readings. The predominant way you will use your compass is by orienting a map to north and identifying visible shoreline objects and land formations, wind current and wave action can render compass degree sighting shots less accurate and possibly difficult to do from a canoe. If you are just starting and have not used a compass for navigation I'd suggest to keep things basic and simple. Not meant to knock sighting compasses, I own and use a Sunto MCB SH. But on canoe trips take a few simpler baseplates as a Silva Polaris, Sunto M3 NH, Brunton TruArc 3. butthead
andym	01/02/2018 11:57AM Unless of course, you become an earth scientist. In that case, stuff like this was part of school.
Wick	01/02/2018 08:13AM andym: "The ability to work on a map to transfer bearings, and measure differences, is much easier with a clear base. One with a mirror allows for more accurate sightings. well, i thought the mirror was for emergency flashing. I went to a compass website and learned how to use the mirror when sighting. Will be looking to acquire one with a mirror and transparent base. More thanks! This is more fun than school was.
andym	01/01/2018 11:27PM The ability to work on a map to transfer bearings, and measure differences, is much easier with a clear base. One with a mirror allows for more accurate sightings. I’ve been using a Silva Ranger for decades. I’ve read that the new ones aren’t as high quality but I would look at them or something similar such as models from Suunto and Brunton. The company that ruined the quality if the Silva named compasses in the US should be ashamed of themselves. BTW, that’s not just using it for camping. I’ve rarely needed a compass in the BW. I’m an earth scientist and it has gotten heavy use in the field taking observations and setting up instruments.
schweady	01/01/2018 09:45PM Wick: "I see a lot of compasses with clear plastic “see thru” backs on them. Is this to use on any particular map type? " Not particularly, but I have found my trusty stand-by clear base Silva to be a favorite when laying an edge from point to point while determining a bearing as the majority of the surrounding map area is still visible.
Wick	01/01/2018 07:54PM I see a lot of compasses with clear plastic “see thru” backs on them. Is this to use on any particular map type?
Jackfish	12/14/2017 12:03PM Tony: " Fisher Map Book " I was going to suggest the same thing, but Tony beat me to it. This is a great tool for winter route planning and overall gazing purposes. And it has both the BW and Quetico. I wish McKenzie made one as well, but they don't.
Bumstead	12/14/2017 10:05AM I happened to buy a voyageur map on my first BW trip 3 years ago. Each year I've bought a different one of their maps. I figure if I keep exploring new regions, I'll eventually have the set. Do the lake contour maps seem to be more detailed / accurate on McK's?
Tony	12/13/2017 12:31PM Fisher Map Book This is a great planning aide when planning your trips. It contains a complete set of maps of the BWCAW and the quetico. Mugh bigger than the Nat Geo maps tony
mjmkjun	12/11/2017 08:04PM Wick: "Where do i buy waterproof maps to look at and use on bwca trips? I am trying to figure out my first trip. It is all very confusing so far." That was me 9 yrs. ago. You may feel a little scattered now but it'll come together soon enough. You ask questions, read postings and read trip reports. Trip reports teach a lot and the good storytellers will have you captured and sometimes laughing. Especially black bear encounters. There was one I read years ago which was written in a hilarious manner. Bear in camp = Keystone Cops maneuvers. :-) Great cabin fever browsing. I have maps from all three makers: M. A. Fisher's, McKenzie & Voyageur. I have a personal preference for Voyageur's maps. Also, Red Pine Mapping (MN) offers whole BWCA area for GPS units. (downloads or microSD cards). So many lakes/portages/campsites to explore.
billconner	11/29/2017 08:23PM Oddly, for the Mackenzie maps, I find buying them direct from Mackenzie is lowest price and easiest.
Mashuga	11/29/2017 05:13PM When I buy maps online I order from mapsandstuff I think it's a one person operation as I have called several times and the same guy answers. Very nice guy to talk to and deal with. Prices are pretty good too.
Wick	11/29/2017 04:26PM quote Gman42: "I use the National Geographic maps for planning a trip. When I've decided on a route / entry point etc. I then buy the necessary Mackenzie map(s) for the actual trip. IMO the Nat Geo maps are best for planning instead of the Mackenzie A1 map, as the BWCA is split up onto four maps instead of just one (it's actually two maps, each with a front and back, for a total of four maps). For actual wilderness navigation, the proper Mackenzie map is necessary. I should mention that the two Nat Geo maps are about the same price as the Mackenzie A1 map. http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/trails-illustrated-maps/minnesota " Thanks! I ordered those natgeo maps. I think that will work perfectly to plan the trip, then buy the specialized maps from one of the 3 everybody likes. Just what i was looking for. I found them on amazon for 17.85, free ship, no tax.
DrBobDerrig	11/29/2017 12:56PM For my maps and many other things I used 2 Gallon Ziplock bags...Handier than the one gallon size... when they start getting "weathered" I use them for storing hardware and stuff in my shop. I started with Fisher Maps in 1994 and that is what I have the most of. I have found these soaking wet after a trip but if I lay them out they dry out just fine. I played around with waterproof paper in my copy machine etc but it is more trouble than it is worth... I have a few of the others and it is sometimes fun to compare then. dr bob
Gman42	11/29/2017 12:06PM I use the National Geographic maps for planning a trip. When I've decided on a route / entry point etc. I then buy the necessary Mackenzie map(s) for the actual trip. IMO the Nat Geo maps are best for planning instead of the Mackenzie A1 map, as the BWCA is split up onto four maps instead of just one (it's actually two maps, each with a front and back, for a total of four maps). For actual wilderness navigation, the proper Mackenzie map is necessary. I should mention that the two Nat Geo maps are about the same price as the Mackenzie A1 map. http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/trails-illustrated-maps/minnesota
ParkerMag	11/29/2017 08:28AM I use all three, but mostly Voyager and McKenzie. If you're "of a certain age" like me, you may find the Voyagers and McKenzies easier to read "unassisted" - I think it's partly a matter of the shades used, and partly the type and font. My knock on the McKenzies is how much more quickly I travel off the map and need to refold.
QueticoMike	11/29/2017 08:27AM The only maps I ever used have been Fisher. Made it there and back every time. I think I bought my maps at - www.piragis.com
butthead	11/29/2017 08:21AM quote Canoe42: "All these maps should be water proof. Fisher Maps McKenzie Maps Voyager Maps " Dave hit's the standard most of us are familiar with or have used. There are other options also. You can waterproof any map you like. I've been printing my own from several sources online and store bought. Some specific to the paddling sport, some with lake depth contours, and USGS survey sheets. Printed on waterproof Tyvek based print paper of laminated at a local print store (UPS stores do good work). My home mapping is printed on a plain Canon inkjet printer with IGuage waterproof paper, the last sheet lamination's I had done cost $1.50 for a 11x17 inch sheet (local shop several years ago). butthead
Savage Voyageur	11/29/2017 08:13AM I have had all of the maps over the years, I started with the gold standard Fisher maps. Nowadays they all are good for a canoe trip. I mostly pick what is available. I do take a map with me but don’t take it out much. I navigate with my gps most of the time. It is a moving map that is exact in telling you your location.
billconner	11/29/2017 08:11AM I always carry both a Fisher and Mackenzie set for the areas I might go into, in separate packs, but mostly use Mackenzie. They have been folded and refolded many times.
unshavenman	11/29/2017 08:10AM I'm also a fan of McKenzie maps for the above stated reasons.
schweady	11/29/2017 07:58AM Over my 40 years in the BWCAW, I started with Fisher and settled on McKenzie. They all have some minor errors, so someone here will say that you need to carry one from each company for every area you cover... but I like the McK's larger scale, hydrological contours, and colors. In the end, it will be whatever suits you.
AmarilloJim	11/29/2017 06:55AM I usually make a copy of areas of interest on my office copier. I zoom, write in items of interest and put them in gallon size zip locks. I also bring a master map in my big pack.
WhiteWolf	11/29/2017 01:30AM I Agree with all the above. I prefer Mackenzie due to the zoomed in nature- but maps are a cheap investment that last. Experiment and see what floats you boat. 2o some years ago I liked Fisher over Mackenzie for other reasons.
andym	11/29/2017 12:26AM We carry our maps in a map case that is clear on both sides. I like the Mckenzies best due to the scale. The Mckenzies and Fischer’s come as rolled or flat sheets and so we can fold them to work with our cases and the route and store the other ones inside the one we are currently using. The Voyageurs come folded and so I find that a little harder to refold for our cases. But I also like them for the large area map on the back. We own some of all three. We like maps. Get a few and see what you think.
DeanL	11/28/2017 10:30PM I've used them all and they all have advantages and disadvantages. I usually go with the one that covers as much of my route as possible so that I don't have to buy multiple maps.
Ausable	11/28/2017 09:46PM I prefer McKenzie maps because of the contour lines, the 1:31,680 scale (2 inches per mile), and the shading that enhances land features.
boonie	11/28/2017 09:42PM Yes, it can be confusing the first time; just keep asking questions. No, they won't be harder to read - the Voyageur maps and Fisher Maps are the same scale (1.5" = 1 mile), but the Voyageur maps are larger maps and therefore cover more territory. The McKenzie maps are 2" = 1 mile. There are differences in color also and Voyageur contains a small overview map on the back and other information, but all three are useable. One may cover your route more efficiently than the others. You can view the Voyageur maps online (zoomable and scrollable), but not the others; just click or on one of the maps, say Map6, on the Voyageur site and zoom in and scroll around. You can buy them from the websites or most outfitters.
Wick	11/28/2017 08:50PM quote Canoe42: "All these maps should be water proof. Fisher Maps McKenzie Maps Voyager Maps " Any opinions on these choices? It looks like the Voyager maps are divided into bigger plots per map? They will be smaller and harder to read?
Canoe42	11/28/2017 08:22PM All these maps should be water proof. Fisher Maps McKenzie Maps Voyager Maps
Wick	11/28/2017 08:15PM Where do i buy waterproof maps to look at and use on bwca trips? I am trying to figure out my first trip. It is all very confusing so far.